Spiced Gingerbread Wreath Cake

Gingerbread is a holiday classic that brings warmth and coziness with its rich, spiced flavors. This Spiced Gingerbread Wreath Cake is a festive twist on the beloved gingerbread recipe, designed to add a touch of elegance to your holiday gatherings. Not only does it capture the comforting flavors of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, but it also takes on a stunning presentation, shaped like a wreath to bring festive cheer to any table.

The cake itself is moist, flavorful, and perfectly spiced, while its dense texture makes it ideal for decorating with a simple glaze, whipped cream, or even edible holiday decorations like candied fruits or holly. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a holiday party or enjoy a cozy dessert by the fireplace, this cake is sure to become a favorite holiday tradition. Read on to discover how easy it is to create this beautiful and delicious centerpiece!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfectly Spiced

The combination of ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg creates a warming, aromatic flavor that will fill your kitchen with the scents of the holiday season.

2. Festive and Elegant

Shaped like a wreath, this cake adds a beautiful holiday touch to any dessert spread. It’s the perfect centerpiece for a Christmas dinner or a holiday party.

3. Moist and Flavorful

The unsulfured molasses and butter make the cake incredibly moist, while also giving it a rich, slightly caramelized flavor that pairs beautifully with the spices.

4. Easy to Make

This cake is straightforward to prepare and doesn’t require complicated techniques or ingredients. The result is a show-stopping cake that’s simple to create!

5. Customizable Decorations

Decorate the cake with powdered sugar, royal icing, whipped cream, or even candied fruit for an extra festive touch. It’s a blank canvas for holiday creativity.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Ground ginger
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground cloves
• Ground nutmeg
• Salt
• Unsalted butter, room temperature
• Light-brown sugar
• Eggs
• Unsulfured molasses
• Hot water

Variations

• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to use a blend that includes xanthan gum for structure.
• Vegan Version: Swap the butter for vegan butter or coconut oil and use flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg) to replace the eggs.
• Frosting Options: For a richer frosting, try a cream cheese frosting or a spiced buttercream. If you prefer something lighter, a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk works wonderfully.
• Add-ins: Incorporate chopped candied ginger or chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the batter for extra texture and flavor.

How to Make Spiced Gingerbread Wreath Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch bundt pan or a wreath-shaped pan for a festive touch. If using a bundt pan, ensure you get into all the crevices to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the unsalted butter and light-brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes. The butter and sugar mixture will create a nice, airy base for the cake.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Molasses

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the unsulfured molasses until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in batches, alternating with the hot water. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared bundt or wreath pan. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure it bakes evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If using a wreath pan, check the cake slightly earlier to ensure it bakes evenly around the edges.

Step 7: Cool and Decorate

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, decorate with powdered sugar, whipped cream, or your favorite festive toppings.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Measure Flour Properly: When measuring flour, be sure to fluff it up and spoon it into the measuring cup before leveling it off. This ensures you’re using the correct amount and prevents a dense cake.
• Molasses Substitution: If you don’t have unsulfured molasses, you can substitute it with dark corn syrup, although the flavor will be slightly different.
• Check for Doneness: Oven temperatures vary, so be sure to start checking the cake around 25 minutes. If the top is getting too dark, cover it loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking.
• Decorating Tip: To create a glossy finish, heat the molasses slightly and drizzle it over the top of the cake, creating a glossy layer that enhances the festive look.

How to Serve

This cake is perfect for serving at any holiday gathering. It makes a wonderful centerpiece for your dessert table and pairs beautifully with hot coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. For an extra indulgent treat, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to develop and deepen after a day or two.

Freezing

To freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

If you prefer your cake warm, reheat individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or warm the entire cake in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent over-browning.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day or two in advance. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

2. Can I use dark molasses instead of unsulfured molasses?

Yes, dark molasses can be substituted, but it has a stronger, more robust flavor. The cake will be slightly more intense.

3. Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, the cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

4. How can I decorate this cake?

You can decorate this cake with powdered sugar, whipped cream, or royal icing. You can also add edible decorations like candied fruits or holly for a more festive touch.

5. Can I use whole wheat flour for this recipe?

You can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly denser texture and a nutty flavor.

6. Is this cake very sweet?

While the cake is sweet, the rich spices balance out the sweetness, creating a complex and comforting flavor profile.

7. Can I add nuts to the batter?

Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans can be added to the batter for added texture and flavor.

8. How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. The top should be slightly firm to the touch.

9. Can I make this cake in a different shape?

Yes! This cake can be made in any bundt pan or cake pan you have. If you don’t have a wreath pan, a regular round or square cake pan works perfectly.

10. What should I serve this cake with?

This cake pairs wonderfully with a warm beverage like coffee or tea. You can also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent treat.

Conclusion

This Spiced Gingerbread Wreath Cake is the perfect addition to your holiday baking repertoire. With its beautiful shape and perfectly spiced flavor, it’s a festive dessert that will impress guests and fill your home with the delicious aroma of the holidays. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just looking for a cozy treat, this gingerbread cake will surely delight everyone at the table.

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